Boys soccer: Benet blanks St. Viator to win ESCC title
On its trip north to Arlington Heights, Benet Academy collected its 15th East Suburban Catholic Conference boys soccer title after overwhelming host St. Viator 5-0 Friday afternoon.
"We obviously would have liked to win the conference title the other day before our home fans but we're thrilled to win it here against one of our oldest rivals, and one that we have a great deal of respect for," said Benet coach Sean Wesley.
On Tuesday, the Redwings (14-1-2, 8-0-1) had a chance to close out St. Patrick with a victory but the two state powers played to a 1-1 draw, making Friday's annual regular-season finale more important than any other in league play.
"We were a little frustrated and disappointed we couldn't take care of business the other day against (Pat's) but none of that matters right now because we came out, set the tone early on then went out and did what we had to in order to win the game," said Benet senior Thomas Miskin.
The visitors bagged 3 goals in the first quarter hour to take control over the Lions (9-9-1, 6-3-0) who have struggled ever since being dominated at St. Patrick last week to start what now is a four-game losing streak.
"We came out flat, had no energy to match (Benet) and right now we're in a funk," said Lions coach Mike Taylor. "Benet is a very good team, so you cannot spot them three goals and expect to get back in the game against a team that plays well from the back to the front."
"My congratulations to Sean and his players, they're a very deserving conference champion."
Sophomore TJ McVey would send his corner into the box then have it spill back to him - before unloading a powerful strike into the back of the net in the 5th minute.
Nick Augustyn doubled the Redwings' advantage three minutes later when he smartly tucked away his attempt from in close.
With the visitors winning nearly every first and second ball, and having 90% of the possession, it was only a matter of time before the Redwings added another to the score line.
Chris Mankowski did just that at 14 minutes, finishing what McVey started after Lions keeper Matt Marchiori stopped the sophomore with a nice reaction save.
Marchiori, as he has all season long, kept his club within striking distance with two goal-saving stops - the first a Miskin's unstoppable 30-yard cracker and the next from Augustyn after a quick restart.
The Lions enjoyed a more positive start after the intermission, testing second half keeper Hunter Randolph with a handful of chances on frame but soon Benet would turn on the style to add two more, with freshman Nico Picha netting both just three minutes apart.
"With so many of us knowing and playing with each other for so long, I cannot think of a better group to win the ESCC championship than this one," said Redwings senior Nick Renfro.
"Team trophies is what we love at Benet, and to get this one today is something all of the guys should be very proud of," added Wesley.
Benet, the No. 1 seed at the Class 2A Burlington Central sectional opens regional tournament play against the winner of the Wheaton Academy-Plano play-in game Saturday, while the Lions face Providence Catholic on Tuesday at regional host Lemont.
"We've had some very good results against quality opponents this year, so we're capable of playing well, so with everyone 0-0 beginning next week, it's time for us to go out and play the way we know we can," said Taylor.